Kayla Odlum
Boynton Beach,FL
Summary
Empathetic and community-oriented professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Conflict Resolution and over 10 years of experience in human services, prevention, and education. Skilled at building trust and fostering meaningful connections with students, families, and community partners to create supportive and inclusive environments. Experienced as a Prevention Specialist, delivering evidence-based substance misuse programs and life skills training, and as a Child Protective Investigator, providing critical interventions and advocacy for children and families. Known for a people-first approach, strong communication skills, and a commitment to empowering individuals and communities through education, support, and collaboration.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Prevention Specialist
Hanley Foundation
West Palm Beach, Florida
02.2024 - Current
- Deliver evidence-based prevention programs in schools, focusing on substance misuse, including marijuana, vaping, alcohol literacy, and prescription drugs.
- Facilitate Botvin LifeSkills Training sessions to equip students with decision-making, coping, and refusal skills that reduce risk factors for substance use.
- Build and maintain relationships with teachers, administrators, and community partners to secure program adoption, and expand organizational reach.
- Actively conduct outreach to develop new contacts, and encourage schools to implement prevention programs.
- Conduct engaging classroom presentations, group discussions, and interactive activities tailored to diverse student populations.
- Provide early intervention strategies and education to empower youth to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices.
- Maintain program documentation, track student participation, and ensure compliance with grant and organizational requirements.
Child Protective Investigator
Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
05.2023 - 02.2024
- Counseled children and families on strategies for addressing mental health, abuse, and medical issues.
- Improved living arrangements for children by counseling parents on proper child-rearing choices.
- Helped parents regain custody of their children through training, mentoring, and ongoing counseling.
- Managed a caseload of 30 clients with dual diagnoses to determine services required for effective treatment.
- Conducted interviews and assessments with families, teachers, and counselors to deepen case understanding.
- Delivered individual and group counseling and therapeutic intervention services to improve functioning at home, school, and in the community.
- Provided crisis intervention services, addressing urgent needs for housing, food, clothing, or financial assistance.
- Processed referrals to obtain community resources for housing, public assistance, and healthcare.
- Addressed legal issues through hearings and custody recommendations.
Admissions Counselor
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Recruited students through alumni networks, high school visits, and college admission events.
- Reviewed applications, interviewed prospective students, and verified references and documentation.
- Followed up with applicants to resolve discrepancies and ensure application completion.
- Collaborated with admissions team to evaluate applicants, make decisions, and send out offers.
- Maintained recruiting operations by adhering to policies and recommending improvements.
- Documented student progress toward admissions goals and next steps.
Student Success Coach
City Year
Orlando, Florida
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Provided academic and social-emotional support to students to improve attendance and performance.
- Assisted a 5th grade classroom with whole-class support alongside a partner teacher.
- Led small groups weekly to strengthen ELA and Math skills.
- Collaborated with a team to organize school-wide initiatives to engage students and staff.
Education
Communications And Conflict Resolution
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL08-2021
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL12-2017
Skills
- Program delivery and facilitation
- Case management and client documentation
- Crisis & Emergency Intervention
- Community Outreach & Networking
- Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Research, Reporting & Record Maintenance
- Performance Improvement & Process Planning
- Adaptability, Creativity & Problem Solving
- Team Leadership & Supervision
- Multitasking, organization, and prioritization
Timeline
Prevention Specialist
Hanley Foundation
02.2024 - Current
Child Protective Investigator
Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
05.2023 - 02.2024
Admissions Counselor
Keiser University
01.2023 - 03.2023
Student Success Coach
City Year
08.2021 - 10.2021
Communications And Conflict Resolution
University of Central Florida
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Broward College
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